Mental Health of postpartum women in the breastfeeding of preterm newborns: reflections for nursing care

Abstract

The introduction addresses the process of breastfeeding premature newborns (PNBs), which is a challenging yet essential practice for the infant's health. For mothers, it represents a strenuous process that directly impacts their mental health. This study aims to investigate, through literature, the factors that influence the mental health of women breastfeeding PNBs, also highlighting the nurse's role in providing support and care throughout this process. The method used was an integrative literature review, with searches conducted in the BVS, SciELO, LILACS, BDENF, and PUBMED databases, covering the period from 2019 to 2024. The descriptors used were “Nursing,” “Breastfeeding,” “Prematurity,” and “Mental Health.” Based on the database research, 8 articles were selected, which highlighted the emotional impacts experienced by mothers of PNBs during the breastfeeding process. The studies reported feelings such as fear, insecurity, and anxiety, and pointed to the nurse as a central figure in providing emotional support, technical guidance, and strengthening maternal self-confidence. It is concluded that breastfeeding premature infants constitutes a multifactorial challenge that requires sensitive and integrated interventions. The nurse plays a fundamental role not only in technical assistance but also in the psychological support of these women. The implementation of public policies, care protocols, and educational strategies focused on the comprehensive care of the mother and newborn, with a humanized and interdisciplinary approach, is necessary.

Keywords: Prematurity; Mental Health; Breastfeeding; Nursing.